Explain the role of proxy wars in the Cold War.

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Explain the role of proxy wars in the Cold War.

Proxy wars played a significant role in the Cold War as they were used by the United States and the Soviet Union to indirectly confront each other and advance their own interests without engaging in direct military conflict. These wars were fought between smaller, less powerful nations that aligned themselves with either the US or the USSR, serving as proxies for their respective superpowers. By supporting and arming these proxy states, the US and the USSR aimed to spread their influence, ideology, and gain strategic advantages in different regions around the world. Proxy wars allowed the superpowers to compete for global dominance while avoiding direct confrontation, reducing the risk of a full-scale nuclear war. Examples of proxy wars during the Cold War include the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Soviet-Afghan War.